Archive for the ‘IWA’ Category

While these are a one-offs, intended to show German brand MD-Textil’s laser cutting capabilities, it’s still cool to see pouches made in this US, 1970s-era Night Desert Camouflage pattern, designed to defeat night vision systems.

I spied these leg mounted subloads for 40mm rounds in the Brügger & Thomet booth during Germany’s Enforce Tac expo in Germany. The carrier is meant to be used with the B&T GL06, but they could be handy for anyone using 40mm launchers.

They are offered in different sizes to carry different numbers of rounds, but as you can see, the carriers are long enough for riot control rounds and feature indentations on the sides of the individual round carriers to offer some friction and keep them in place.

New for 2017 is the TT Tac Modular Pack 30 Vent exhibited earlier this month at Enforce Tac and IWA.

This 30 liter pack is made from 700D Cordura and features a 3/4 length zipper, allowing the upper compartment to be opened fully. There is also a lower compartment, accessible via a half moon zipper. Additionally, there is a laser cut PALs webbing field on the rear flap and softshell pockets on either side of the bag. The top of the rear flap incorporates a zippered pocket and also offers elastic cord for quick, external storage.

The ventilated X Vent Zero Plus carrying system is quite interesting. Some outdoor packs offer similar suspensions but use a full mesh packpanel. TT has opened the back up because the additional material doesn’t really bear the load and just makes the wearer sweat more.

I like the two-tone version seen above, but a Dark Grey model called Carbon was seen at IWA the following day (below). There is said to be a Black model as well.

At the recent Enforce Tac show in Nürnberg, Germany, I had the opportunity to check out Kryptek’s new tactical line of clothing and equipment which was on display in Precision Tecnhnic Defense’s stand. One of the items is a new lightweight plate carrier which joins the line of PALS compatible pouches they released earlier this year. As it was a prototype, they were not yet ready for me to share it with the world. However, German blog Strategie Technik shared a photo of the carrier.

It is extremely lightweight with integrated Admin Pouch at the upper chest along with three magazine pouches. However, they mentioned that the integrated Admin Pouch would be removed to make way for PALS compatibility in that space. You may also spy Tubes connectors on this carrier which have been licensed from FirstSpear. You’ll also notice a radio pouch attached to the cummerbund. My favorite feature is the rigid opening on the ammo pouches which make it much easier to replace magazines one-handed.

At the recent IWA in Germany, I noticed that Polish brand Direct Action was experimenting with ADA’s ONE299 pack frame from Australia. I had previously mentioned it during SHOT Show 16, so it was great to see it getting out there.

The concept behind this expandable, polymer frame is that it is designed to accommodate the 1st through 99th percentile Soldier. Via five length configurations, the frame will telescope from 413 to 528mm.

There are multiple attachment points throughout the frame to accept various packs and suspension systems.

The Kraken is their expeditionary bag, complete with padded shoulder straps for hauling. It’s available in two sizes; 100 and 140 liter and is constructed of 840D double TPU coated nylon fabric with welded construction. The waterproof zipper is a TIZIP Masterseal 10 with a 500mb hydrostatic head and can be locked. In addition to an air relief valve, there are compression straps and end corner carry handles which are quite handy.

The Kraken is offered in a variety of colors including the Crocodile seen here, as well as Black, Slate/Dark Slate, Flame/Blazer, and Blazer/Flame.

At IWA this pack from Helikon-Tex caught my eye, reminding me of an ALICE Medium, with its three external pockets. Called the Matilda, it’s part of their growing Bushcraft line and was designed in conjunction with Survival Tech. Like ALICE, each of those external pockets has a back channel so you can carry odd-sized items. Unlike ALICE, the Matilda’s pockets are all closed with Side Release buckles. In addition to compression straps, the pack also offers PALS compatibility. The back is stiffened and incorprates breathable mesh.